Sarah “Sally” Mulligan Hayden passed away peacefully on the Feast of All Souls Day, November 2, 2025, a day especially meaningful to her deep devotion to prayer and the holy souls in purgatory. This sacred day also fell on the birthday of one of her beloved grandsons — a tender reminder of the strong family bonds that meant so much to her throughout her life. Sally was born on October 3, 1938, to the late James and Claribel (Curran) Mulligan.
Sally was a devoted member of Immaculate Parish for over 60 years, where she faithfully attended daily Mass for many of those years. She was a longtime leader and participant in various prayer groups, including the Father Stefano Gobbi Cenacle group, with a special devotion to praying for priests. A dedicated follower and supporter of EWTN, Sally lived her faith daily through prayer and service. She was a member of the WKY Homemakers Association. As an avid reader, her family brought over twenty books per month for her to read, which was her favorite pastime. Sally was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother whose devotion to the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet reflected her deep spiritual life. She was known for her sweet and genuine nature—always grateful and accepting of others. A life-changing pilgrimage to Medjugorje reaffirmed her marriage and strengthened her faith. Affectionately known as “Memaw” by her grandchildren, Sally ensured her family always felt loved and cared for.
Along with her parents, Sally is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Richard Hayden, Sr.; her granddaughter, Danielle Hayden Grae, and her siblings, Mary Helen Collignon, Jimmy Mulligan, and infant brother, Tommy Mulligan.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Rick (Kimberly) Hayden, Jr., Kevin (Michelle) Hayden, and Suzanne (John) Caudill; her grandchildren, Brent (Stephanie) Hayden, Blake (Rachel) Hayden, Tess Hayden, Josh (Victoria) Hayden, Jake (Erin) Hayden, Joe Hayden, Mary Kate Hayden, Jackson Caudill, Sarah Beth Caudill, and Katherine Caudill; her great-grandchildren, Finn, Conner, Ellie, Palmer, Charlie, and Quinn Hayden, with another great-grandchild expected in January 2026, and her siblings, Pat Mulligan and Bill (Jian) Mulligan.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory, 519 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301, with prayers being said from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitation will resume on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Immaculate Parish, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. Mass and funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Immaculate Parish, with Father Larry McBride and Father John Vaughan officiating. Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of charitable donations made payable to Carmel Home at 2501 Old Hartford Rd, Owensboro, KY 42303. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with Mrs. Sarah “Sally” Mulligan Hayden’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mrs. Hayden and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.